Vandals Rampage Through Godalming Area
By PatHill | Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 12:37
Cars, buildings and a mobile library have been attacked causing thousands of pounds worth of damage in a spree of vandalism in the Godalming area.
The rampage began in the earky hours of last Hursday morning (Sept 16th) when a car was vandalised in Ockford Road . A resident reported two people smashing the windows of an unattended car with a large tool before making off. Within minutes officers were on the scene and following an initial description undertook a search of the immediate area and into Godalming town centre.
A trail of destruction saw cars damaged in Godalming Borough Council car park, the Crown Court car park, Cliffe Rise and Eashing Lane. Five buildings including a BT phone box, council offices and the fire station were attacked and a mobile library unit parked at the back of the town’s library had its windscreen, windows and a camera smashed.
Two youths were located in Portsmouth Road and arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
Waverley Inspector Simon Dann said: "This would appear to be a mindless rampage through Godalming which has caused a great deal of damage to both public and private property. Surrey Police will not tolerate such criminal damage in our communities and will dedicate officers to bring those responsible to justice.
"Targeted patrol team officers were on the scene within minutes with four units including a dog van joining in the search for suspects.
"I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any incidents of criminal damage in the early hours of this morning or who may have CCTV images which relate to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222."
An 18-year-old from Ash and a 15-year-old from the Godalming area have both been bailed to Guildford Police Station on Wednesday, 27 October.
Comments
The two suspects were in court yesterday. Any idea where we can find out the results? I have searched everywhere for this information and can't find it anywhere. My house mates car was vandalised by these two morons who we chased down the road on foot and then by car at 4am, but couldn't find them anywhere.
By mackieaj at 10:19 on 28/10/10
ReportI am not sure any government can do anything about such behaviour. I think it is to do more with local people some how connecting more with their community and education.
By olgadapolga at 14:52 on 02/10/10
ReportI'm not entirely convinced this government can do much to stop anti-social behaviour-esque crime but at the same time the ASBOs didn't really do anything. They were treated more like a badge of honour for groups of vandals if anything.
By RaAnMa at 17:08 on 30/09/10
ReportI'm worried that Godalming is being taken over by yob culture.
As if this so called vandalism 'spree' wasn't enough, I hear now that the mobile library which serves south-west surrey was also vandalised during this night of madness.
This means that those people who relied on the service will have to make do with a temporary vehicle, which is not up to the same standard, in order to get their books. Why should other people have to suffer because of these mindless acts?
It seems that the usual vehicle was vandalised while it was parked at the back of Godalming Library in Bridge Road last week..The vandals smashed the windscreen and a window, and destroyed the small camera which helps the driver reverse.
It's just thoughtless behaviour....OK the damage is going to cost about £2,000 to repair....but apart from the financial side what about the disruption to usual users, including nursery school and residential homes that it being caused. People rely on this service.
The vandals also targeted a BT phone box, the council offices and fire station. Now that ASBOs are being scrapped by this Government what is going to take their place? We need something urgently!
By kevineone at 14:30 on 30/09/10
ReportThat's just unbelievably stupid behaviour on the parts of the vandals. Hopefully they will be brought to justice.
By RaAnMa at 17:02 on 21/09/10
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